Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $20.00 per hour
Job Title:
DCAC Veterinary Assistant
Department:
Medical
Reports to:
DCAC Office Manager
FLSA Classification:
Non-exempt: Part Time
Supervises:
None
Compensation:
$20/hourly
Work Schedule:
11:00 am - 4:00/5:00pm Wednesday thru Saturday
POSITION OVERVIEW
Working at the direction of the office manager, the vet assistant position for the Desert Community Animal Clinic (DCAC) works as part of a dynamic team to treat owned-animals brought into the facility for an array of wellness and preventative services. Vet assistants will administer vaccinations, parasite prevention and treatment, and assist the veterinarian and RVT with on-site surgeries and euthanasia when appropriate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Ensure the safety and health of animals within the clinic.
- Helps to evaluate animals for signs of illness, injuries and parasites.
- Will help determine when an animal needs immediate veterinary care and will notify the Veterinarian and/or RVT.
- Prepares and administers medications (orally, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenously) and vaccinations according to instructions and direction from the veterinarian.
- Helps the clinic manager to monitor and maintain medical supply and drug inventory.
- When needed assists veterinarians in any on-site procedures, including surgery.
- Monitors anesthesia, autoclaves surgical packs, and animals during recovery.
- Runs and interprets diagnostic tests.
- Collects and processes fecal samples, performs skin scrapings. Utilizes a microscope to interpret results and communicate the results to the veterinarian.
- Performs basic bandaging and wound care for animals.
- Cares for, cleans, and feeds animals in assigned areas.
- Enters medical information into the computer system.
- Maintains clinical logs and records as directed and assigned by the veterinarian or RVT.
- Maintains a sanitary environment in all animal care, exam rooms, treatment and surgery areas.
- Escorts clients into the exam room and executes basic pre-exam duties in preparation for Veterinarian exam/consultation.
- Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
- Operate within compliance with state, federal, local, AVMA laws and guidelines.
- Adhere to the organizations policies and procedures as stated in the employee handbook and Standard Operating Procedures manual.
- Ability to work the prescribed schedule.
- Attends staff meetings, training, and other events related to the position.
- Other duties as assigned.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
- Leadership Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter values and represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers
- Customer Service Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner
- Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among co-workers
- Safety Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the DHS facility and Shelter
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
- High School Graduate or G.E.D.
- Minimum one year of veterinarian assistant experience either in a veterinarian office and/or other animal care facility.
- Controlled Substance Permit may be required.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) language skills are a plus.
Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities
- Must be well-organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to complete basic math calculations.
- Proficient computer data entry skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Able to effectively communicate with staff and a diverse public population
- Able to enthusiastically work in a fast-paced work environment, while problem solving and multitasking
- Must be flexible to work additional hours when workload requires
- Knowledge of animal behavior a plus
- A watch with a second hand is required
- A Stethoscope could be required
Required Licenses/Certifications
- Controlled Substance Permit may be required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS See attached Physical Demands of the Position.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION This position has access to confidential information
- Customer Information
- Pet information including medical status
List specific job duties that require the physical demands selected above:
Must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time to assist with medical procedures, clinics, intake appointments, etc. Must be able to lift, restrain & handle animals safely. Must be able to lift 50 lbs to waist level, and carry animals/items weighing up to 40 lbs. Frequent computer use is also necessary.